Somatic embryogenesis in cell suspension cultures of olive Olea europaea (L.) ‘Chetoui’

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis of olive Olea europaea (L.) ‘Chetoui’ was studied using cell suspension cultures initiated from mature leaf-derived calli. Calli were developed on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 10 μM NAA and 2.25 μM 2i-P in the dark. Different combinations of three plant growth regulators (2,4-D, NAA and zeatin) were tested to determine cell proliferation and somatic embryogenesis induction and differentiation. Embryogenic suspension cultures were established in olive-modified medium for embryogenesis (OMe) containing 2.5 μM 2,4-D and 2.5 μM zeatin. Pre-globular and globular embryos were induced from mature olive tissue in liquid medium. In addition, the nitrogen form as inorganic (reduced; (NH4)2SO4 or oxidized; KNO3) and organic (CH) was used separately or in combination to improve the cell growth and proliferation. The most effective growth rate and cell proliferation were obtained with the medium containing inorganic and organic nitrogen forms.